Use and Characteristics of the Belgian Warmblood

Though there are some variations in height, Belgian Warmbloods are usually quite tall horses, with stallions standing between 16 hands (64 inches/163 cm) and 17 hands (68 inches/173 cm) high. The most common coat colour is chestnut, although no colours are barred, and it is even occasionally possible to buy a Belgian Warmblood with pinto colouring, which is known as “bont” in Belgium. Regulations for breeding and registration are strict, and breeders must comply with them in order to sell a Belgian Warmblood. Stallions for breeding must pass a conformation and ability test known as a "Hengstenkeuring" before they can be licensed, as well as take part in dedicated show jumping classes. A minimum height standard has been set for breeding mares at 15.1 hands (61 inches/155 cm) high.

Origin and breeding history of Belgian Warmbloods

Belgian Warmbloods in equestrianism

In 1984, the show jumper “Big Ben” was one of the first Belgian Warmbloods to showcase the breed at Olympic level. This successful equine athlete won an astonishing $1.5 million in prizes over his career. Belgian Warmbloods are increasingly successful at eventing and dressage, too. The eventer “Britt” was the first to prove the breed’s scope for Olympic-standard eventing in 1992. Now that the breed’s capacity for jumping has been proven without any doubt, this being the initial focus for breeders from the 1950s onwards, it is likely that the Belgian Warmblood will develop further in new disciplines.